DEALS

Gasparilla Music Festival adding second day of concerts

Music fans dance during the 2013 Gasparilla Music Festival in Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park in Tampa. After close to 10,000 people attended the festival, organizers have decided to expand it to a second day in 2014. TRIBUNE FILE

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The Gasparilla Music Festival is looking to build on its early success by adding a second day when it returns in 2014.

The day-long fest, which drew close to 10,000 people to downtown Tampa last March, will be back at Kiley Gardens and Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park for a third year March 8 and 9.

“Each year we’ve gotten bigger and better,” festival executive director Ty Rodriguez said in a statement. “Adding a second day gives GMF a chance to showcase a wider variety of bands, restaurants, and children’s activities.”

While no bands have been announced yet, early-bird general admission tickets are already on sale for $40.

The festival has earned a reputation for featuring an eclectic mix of nationally known independent artists and local acts. Past performers have included Best Coast, Dr. Dog, Deer Tick and Ra Ra Riot. The 2013 festival featured more than 40 bands.

The 2014 festival will continue the children’s festival-within-the-festival, featuring family-friendly entertainment on the Kiley Gardens Stage, with arts and crafts, games and other activities, a festival news release said. Children 12-and-under will once again get into the festival for free.

Also returning will be more than two dozen local restaurants and breweries.

“All of our food vendors are local restaurants,” Rodriguez said. “We want to showcase what our city has to offer, and when you come to GMF, we want you to know you’re in Tampa.”

Tickets are available from gasparillamusicfestival.com, or in person at Daddy Kool Records, The Hub, Microgroove, Mojo Books and Music and KT Janes. General admission tickets, which will eventually increase from $40 to $60, will be good for both days of the festival. For more information, visit www.gasparillamusicfestival.com.